Limpopo police are investigating cases of attempted murder following a violent incident during political party campaigns in Juju Valley. Two people, including a minor, sustained gunshot wounds in the incident, which led to an escalation that endangered the life of an innocent nine-year-old bystander. Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, Limpopo police spokesperson, stated that the police and emergency medical services responded swiftly to the scene, providing immediate assistance to the minor girl and commencing a thorough investigation. Another case was later reported after it was established that a 25-year-old man was shot during the scuffle.
Several other people sustained injuries after members of political parties hit each other with stones. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of the violence are brought to justice. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the violent acts and urged the public to be aware of criminality disguised as political activism, which seeks to hijack public grievance to advance instability. Police in Limpopo are appealing to anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatTJoints), led by the SAPS, the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), said they have sufficient measures in place to ensure the upcoming elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruption.
